The Rajasthan Royals beat Kolkata Knight Riders by seven runs in match 30 of IPL 2022.
After winning the toss, KKR captain Shreyas Iyer opted to field first. Their bowlers conceded as many as 217 runs as the Rajasthan batsmen went all guns blazing. Jos Buttler scored his second century of this season – 103 off 61 deliveries laced with nine boundaries and five maximums. Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer played good cameos – both batted at a strike rate of 200.
Varun Chakravarthy was the most expensive bowler for KKR. He conceded 30 runs in his two overs without taking any wickets. Pat Cummins’ poor form with the ball continued as he leaked 50 runs in four overs. Sunil Narine was KKR’s sole warrior with the ball – he picked up two wickets for 21 runs in his four overs.
Chasing 218 to win, KKR got off to a terrific start and were the favourites to win the game. Aaron Finch smashed a 28-ball 58 while Shreyas Iyer scored 85 off 51. But four wickets in a single over – which includes a hat-trick by Yuzvendra Chahal, bought momentum back to the Rajasthan Royals. Eventually, KKR were all out on 210 in 19.4 overs.
Rajasthan are now second in the points table while Kolkata, who were the table toppers not too long ago, have slumped to the sixth position.
Image credit: IPL
